September 24, 2025
When the Tri-County Humane Society (TCHS) first approached BCI Construction about building a new facility, the need was clear. Their old shelter, a wood-frame building dating back to the early 1970s, had served the community well but was no longer keeping pace with the growing demands of animal welfare and care. This “small but mighty” humane society needed something different. Despite their incredible work and dedication, TCHS had outgrown their space—and their frugal approach to making do with what they had could only go so far.
That’s when a vision for something new began to take shape.
The Challenge
In partnership with Animal Arts Group, TCHS set out to explore options for a modern facility. Early projections suggested the costs could be extremely high, potentially putting the project out of reach. However, BCI Construction stepped in with a fresh perspective. With decades of experience in medical facilities, commercial construction approaches, and great Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) understandings, our team knew there was a better financial and logistical way to achieve the vision without compromising quality or functionality.
BCI’s Approach
We challenged the assumption that a high-performance animal care facility had to come with an exorbitant price tag. Leveraging our expertise with pre-engineered metal building systems, we designed and built a cost-effective solution that exceeded expectations.
Highlights of the project include:
Focused Animal Care Design – Spaces purpose-built for dogs and cats, prioritizing health, safety, and comfort.
Staff & Operation Focus – The space is also well suited for the workflow of intake, adoption, visitation, medical care, and animal housing for the people and visitors of the facility in addition to heavy consideration of animal welfare.
Advanced Medical Capabilities – The inclusion of an on-site operatory able to perform advanced surgeries not readily available elsewhere in the region. This includes unique clean spaces in the core of the facility.
Efficiency and Longevity – Durable construction paired with efficient building systems, ensuring lower long-term operating costs.
Cost-Effective Execution – Delivered at a radically lower cost than initially projected by outside professional groups, without sacrificing quality.
What-If Scenario – As this was considered, “leading edge,” in our area at the time, we designed the facility for easy repurpose in case the facility to truly make a long-term asset for the humane society in case programs needed to change.
The Result
The outcome was nothing short of amazing. Today, the Tri-County Humane Society is recognized as a leader in animal welfare throughout the state of Minnesota. Their facility stands as a state-of-the-art shelter that blends compassionate care with smart, sustainable design. The Team at TCHS is amazing at rehousing animals and creating solutions for animals in unique scenarios. They use all their space well and bring programming and education beyond their walls.
For BCI Construction, this project was more than just a building—it was about creating a lasting community resource that enhances animal care and adoption for years to come. There were several stories throughout the projects journey where they were able to learn, listen, and understand issues, and provide immense value through the design and construction of the space with sound solutions.
Beyond Tri-County
Our work with Tri-County Humane Society reflects BCI’s broader expertise in animal-focused work and medical space construction. We’ve completed projects across Minnesota, from new to reimagined veterinary clinics, along with serving medical systems within the state receiving new or remodeled spaces.
If you’re considering a project—whether it’s a new build, a renovation, or a specialized medical facility—we’d be honored to talk with you.
At BCI Construction, we don’t just build buildings. We build solutions that serve people, animals, and communities.
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